November 7-8, 2024: New Orleans, LA
We flew from ILM, landing in New Orleans, excitedly anticipating joining Kathy and Michael as well as exploring a city we’ve not visited. We had the afternoon to ourselves to search for a quick lunch (Vampire Grill, of course!) and strolled around the streets before heading back to the Westin to await our travel companions’ arrival.
We joined a panoramic city drive the following morning, enjoying a running commentary from our guide who impressed us with the famous, infamous and quirks of NOLA. Our first stop was at Cemetery #3 to discuss the rationale behind the above ground burials (the water table level is an issue) as well as the history and sayings we still use today. “Wouldn’t touch that with a 10-foot pole” came about as bones were pushed back from the front of the mausoleum to make room for another body. The “skeleton key” fit into the lock of the mausoleum’s door to open it for removal of the bones.
The bus took us past the Super Dome, leading to a discussion of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Mary Margaret had volunteered with the American Red Cross just after Hurricane Katrina made landfall and before the arrival of Hurricane Rita a couple weeks later. It was an experience she would not soon forget. We were aware that another hurricane was heading to the Gulf Coast but, fortunately, Hurricane Rafael turned south, away from the coast.
Our last stop was spending a delightful 1.5 hours at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) with its myriad of fantastic exhibits. Kathy and Michael had joined the Jazz Experience tour and after both were over, we met up at the Café du Monde for the famous beignets and lattes. Delicious!
Later that evening, we headed to the Crescent City Brewhouse, highly recommended by our concierge—it did not disappoint! We followed a parade to the restaurant in the French Quarter and enjoyed live jazz music with our meal. Strolling back to the Westin, we did a bit of window shopping, surrounded by music and crowds. What a fantastic city!
